Being Dutiful to Non-Muslim Parents

Asma’ bint Abi Bakr (radi Allahu anha) said, “In the time of the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam), my mother came to me hoping (I would be dutiful). I asked the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam), ‘Do I have to treat her well?’ ‘Yes’ He (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) replied.” Ibn ‘Uyayna (radi Allahu anhu) said, “Then Allah revealed about her’ Allah does not forbid you from being good to those who have not fought you in the deen’ (60:8)”

[Imam Bukhari's "Al-Adab Al-Mufrad" Hadith no: 25]

Commentary:

The above Incident took place between the treaty of Hudaibiyya (6th year after Hijra) and the opening of Makkah (8th year after Hijra) as other narrations indicate.

The above Hadith shows us the eagerness of Asma’ bint Abi Bakr (radi Allahu anha) in wanting to know the Islamic ruling regarding this specific issue. It also shows how Islam was the most precious thing in the lives of the Sahaba (radi Allahu anhum), even more precious than their own parents.

The above ahadith also informs us that we must be dutiful and maintain ties with our non-muslim parents.

The ayah mentioned above in full is as follows, Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion and did not drive you out of your homes. Verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity.” [Al-Mumtahina 60:8]